Weddings are one of life’s most important and memorable events. They are typically held in the late afternoon or at night, but more people are breaking free of these traditional constraints and choosing a beautiful, refreshing morning wedding.
Boasting a serene, intimate atmosphere, morning weddings allow couples to enjoy a more relaxed, less rushed experience. If this sounds enticing, follow these early wedding planning tips to learn how to create the ultimate early-day celebration.
1. Choose the Right Spot
What makes or breaks your wedding is often the venue for the ceremony and reception.
- Outdoor: Parks or open beaches are great for a morning wedding. The soft light of the morning, combined with the peaceful outdoor scenery, will surely create a memorable experience. But, of course, make sure to have a backup plan in case the weather is bad
- Hotels: Many hotels offer packages for morning weddings. They offer both the ceremony space and an on-site reception area. It’s great if you don’t want to bother too much, since you’ll have instant help for everything from the staff.
- Private Estates: If you desire an intimate, luxurious vibe, renting a private estate is a great choice. You can even choose a mansion for the ultimate wedding experience! Secluded, yet surrounded by gardens and natural beauty – the perfect morning bliss.
- Country Clubs or Golf Courses: These places often have both indoor and outdoor spaces, so you can choose where you’d like your ceremony to take place based on the weather.
2. Set a Detailed and Realistic Timeline
Daytime weddings typically occur between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Here’s an example morning wedding timeline to give you an idea of how yours should look. Remember, these benchmarks are just suggestions – you can adjust them however you like.
- 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.: Hair, makeup, and getting dressed. Make sure you have enough time for any last-minute touch-ups.
- 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.: Guests begin to arrive. Offer them light refreshments to create a welcoming environment.
- 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: The wedding ceremony begins. Morning ceremonies tend to be shorter and simpler, so the vibe is usually relaxing.
- 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Post-ceremony photography and mingling, where you and the guests enjoy a couple of drinks.
- 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Brunch or lunch reception. This is where you have the first dance, wrap up the wedding, and cut the cake, after which you send the guests off.
3. Send Invitations with Morning Details
In the wedding invitations, make sure to set the tone and inform all guests about the time of the event, as well as the dress code. Since it’s a morning wedding, some may think it’s casual, but don’t forget: it’s still a formal affair (if you want it to be)!
- Casual or Semi-Formal: If you want to keep the casual vibe, terms like “casual chic” or “smart-casual” in your invitation can help out. Your guests should know whether formal attire is required or a more relaxed look is acceptable.
- Dress for Comfort: Most morning weddings take place in outdoor or semi-outdoor settings, so advise your guests to wear comfortable shoes and bring layers in case of chilly weather.
4. Plan a Light Brunch-Like Menu
One of the best parts of early wedding planning is that you get to serve a delicious brunch. Morning weddings move away from the traditional lunch or dinner setting, offering you a unique opportunity to provide guests with something out of the ordinary.
- Buffet Brunch: Serve a variety of breakfast and lunch items, including scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, pastries, pancakes, fresh fruit, yoghurt, and granola. This way, guests can pick what they want and enjoy the mingling.
- Pastries and Coffee: If you want to keep it simple and quick, offer a selection of fresh pastries, such as croissants and muffins, paired with a cup of hot coffee or tea. Offering some alcoholic drinks is also on the table!
- Signature Cocktails: Simple and light cocktails are perfect for morning weddings. However, don’t forget to pair them up with some quick bites like cheese balls.
5. Choose Photographers Who Know Their Craft
A morning wedding can give you dazzling photos if they’re taken by pros.
- The early morning light, known as “magic hour,” creates soft, warm tones, giving your photos a magical glow.
- At Big Day Productions, we talk with all of our clients before the wedding so we ensure you get exactly what you expect. For example, if you’re doing a “first look”, we’ll make sure it’s ideal.
- Morning weddings often have a light feel. Our photographers coordinate with the videographers so everyone captures this exact feeling on camera from every side.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What time should my morning wedding ceremony start?
Most morning weddings begin at 9:00 a.m. so they can finish by noon and give all guests time to relax.
2. How can I make a morning wedding stand out?
Adding personal touches to your morning wedding can make it unique. Using soft decor, such as floral arrangements with your favourite flowers throughout the room or wreaths at the entrance, can enhance the early-morning softness. Giving out ‘Thank you’ notes can also be unique to your wedding.
3. Can I serve alcohol at a morning wedding?
Of course, drinks like mimosas are perfect for morning weddings. You can pair them up with some quick bites while guests wait for the ceremony to begin.
4. When does a morning wedding end?
This is totally up to the couple. Typically, early weddings end by noon, but if the couple prefers, they can continue the celebrations throughout the day. What makes it an early wedding is that the ceremony happens in the morning.
Conclusion
Our team at Big Day Productions is always up for a challenge, and morning weddings can sometimes feel like one to the couple. Don’t worry, we have years of experience and know how to capture the early magic of the day on camera!
We can help you keep the memories of your morning wedding forever. Contact us today and let’s discuss your plans, so we can create a day you’ll never forget!